Jackson back as his steady self

November 22, 2009|TOM NOIE Tribune Staff Writer

Listening to chatter from outside the Notre Dame men's basketball inner circle caused point guard Tory Jackson to lose some grip on his leadership ways last season. A summer spent mainly on campus allowed Jackson to rededicate himself to being the team's strongest and steadiest voice. Other Irish have posted better and bigger numbers in the final box score through three games this season, but no player may have a bigger influence on the team's success or struggles than the senior tri-captain from Saginaw, Mich. "He's leading this team," said classmate and fellow tri-captain Luke Harangody. "A lot of people don't realize that because his stats aren't going to be outrageous, but he's a key part of the team." Always has been since he stepped in as a starter midway through his freshman season. He earned a spot on the Big East all-rookie team, and led a talent-rich league in assists his first two seasons. He brought toughness and attitude to a group that really needed it, but when it was time to again deliver last season, something slipped. Instead of being his solid self, Jackson struggled. He often pressed to make something happen, to be that same guy who took the league by fire as a freshman. He sometimes pouted when his troubles didn't disappear. And he listened too much to people he considers friends, but individuals who might not have in mind his best interests. "It wasn't hearing things they were saying that I needed to do; I would hear about all the guys they'd talk about and I wanted it to be me," Jackson said. "I kind of got jealous. I've got to have a better mindset about that." Jackson solved that situation when he opted not to return home before summer school. On campus, he was counseled by coach Mike Brey to be an even better leader. When Harangody declared for the NBA, and then spent a good chunk of the spring chasing that dream, the Irish were in the hands of one guy -- the 21-year-old Jackson. He organized and ran pickup games. He was the strongest voice during conditioning sessions. Out on the recruiting road, Brey would call him for updates. Conversations would start with Brey asking, "How's our team?'' The two started to again think like one. "It was totally his show," Brey said. Having those keys handed to him last spring helped Jackson understand that he didn't have to be a one-man highlight reel to have a real impact on the program. "I put a lot of pressure on myself last year," Jackson said. "I had a lot of time to correct the mistakes I made and take care of those things." Notre Dame has won its first three games by an average of 21.3 points as Jackson has kept it easy, simple and consistent. He picks and chooses his scoring spots. He still rebounds like a forward and continues to make the right decisions. Above all, he keeps the Irish in a steady flow on offense, a steady focus on defense. Playing an average of 33.3 minutes, second most on the squad, Jackson is averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists. His shooting percentages -- 47.8 percent from the field, 45.5 from 3 and 66.7 from the free-throw line -- all would be career bests, an indication that he's as locked in as ever. "He's just so poised," said fellow tri-captain and guard Jonathan Peoples. "He's always had confidence, but this year, it's at an all-time high." For myriad reasons. The guys who were in his ear last year remain his friends, but Jackson keeps them at a comfortable distance. He better trusts his game, trusts his voice and trusts the massive responsibility Brey has placed in his hands. He doesn't want to be someone others might talk about; he wants to be the player the Irish need him to be. A sure sign that the opposition is in for a long night and Jackson is primed for another solid one is seeing a smile on the face of No. 3. The grin, which was gone a lot last year, lets coaches and teammates know that Jackson is dialed in on dominating. "I don't get down much," he said. "I try to keep myself smiling because when I'm smiling, that's when I play at my best."Staff writer Tom Noie: tnoie@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6153